Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/16726
AREA GUIDES Puerto Rico is another Caribbean island that has a lot to offer both the leisure and business traveler alike. Urban development is strong and beaches, mountains and forests are so plentiful on the Island that even within the major tourist centers visitors truly feel that they are surrounded by a lush and vibrant natural landscape. Puerto Rico has long been an important part of Caribbean history and many centuries of history can be seen in the city of Old San Juan, where Spanish traditions are still very much alive. Open air markets, music and dancing fill the streets day or night and there is always plenty to see and do in the nation that made salsa dancing popular. Puerto Rico is considered the culi- nary capital of the Caribbean for its incredible array of world-class restau- rants and chefs. It’s a haven for shop- pers with a fabulous selection of shop- ping venues and its nightlife sizzles with excitement. Puerto Rico’s centuries-old capital city is designated among the World Heritage sites, and a visit to its picturesque cobblestone streets is an unforgettable experience. The magnificent Puerto Rico Convention Center is a great place for large gatherings. This facility is the largest and most technologically advanced offering in the Caribbean, boasting 580,000 sq. ft. and a capacity to hold gatherings of 10,000. Just east of Puerto Rico, three main islands, St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas, along with many smaller and historically distinct islands, make up the US Virgin Islands. The U.S. Virgin Islands is a U.S. territory, and offers the traveler a chance to experience life island style with an American touch, boasting a delightful mix of pristine beaches, warm weather and crystal- clear waters. The islands can see upwards of 2 million visitors per year, many of whom come by cruise ship and dock in Charlotte Amalie, the capital city of the Virgin Islands. Traveling between the three islands is easy and inexpensive; both tourists and residents frequently use water or air taxi services al park. Its comfortable pace is perfect for enjoying the island’s world- renowned beaches. Many people mistakenly believe ST. Thomas Harbor, US Virgin Islands Photo Credit: Bill Grove for shopping and business. Each of the three major islands have a unique character all there own. St. Croix’s Casual Danish influence is per- fect for visitors who prefer a laid-back experience. St. Thomas has one of the most beautiful harbors in the world and as the most visited port in the Caribbean, downtown Charlotte Amalie offers elegant dining, exciting nightlife, duty-free shopping and is a popular and romantic wedding destina- tion. Two-thirds of St. John is a nation- that Bermuda is part of the Caribbean; however, this island rests hundreds of miles north of the Bahamas in an astoundingly beautiful stretch of the Atlantic. The approximately 140 islands and islets making up Bermuda are known for their more than 62 miles of coastline, pristine waters, vibrant flora and fauna, coral reefs and some of the best vacation resorts in the Atlantic. As one of the world’s more prominent tourism destinations, Bermuda has a surprising influence on the global econ- omy. Proudly multicultural, the sub- tropical island claims a diverse history with influences from the United Kingdom, the Americas and Africa. Bermuda’s main airport, L. F. Wade International Airport, near St. George in the eastern part of the island, has non-stop flights from major east coast and Midwestern cities in the U.S. Cruise ships are the other popular way to get to Bermuda. Once there, island guests can rent mopeds or scooters, take taxis, which are plentiful, but the one of the most atmospheric and affordable ways to get around is by Sea Express ferry. Puerto Rico Convention Center Black Meetings & Tourism July/August 2010: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 57